Nate Pierre-Louis has been leading the charge for Temple University men’s basketball (3-0) on both sides of the court.

In three games this season, the junior guard leads the Owls with 18.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Not only is he averaging a double-double, but he also has recorded four consecutive double-doubles dating back to last season.

“I’m just trying to do what I do well and that’s rebounding and defending every single day,” Pierre-Louis said after Temple’s win against Morgan State University (2-2) on Nov. 9.

“Scoring for me is gonna happen. I’m trying to be the best defender and rebounding guard in the country,” Pierre-Louis added. “I’m just trying my best to do that every single day.”

Pierre-Louis started the streak when he recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds in a 70-81 loss to Belmont University in the NCAA Tournament First Four in March.

He started this season with 16 points and 10 rebounds in a 70-62 win over Drexel (2-3) on Nov. 5. He followed that up with 19 points and 11 rebounds in a 75-57 win against Morgan State.

Most recently, Pierre-Louis recorded 21 points and 12 rebounds in a 70-65 win over La Salle (1-2) on Saturday.

Pierre-Louis leads the team with 33 overall rebounds and 24 defensive rebounds. The second-closest player in rebounds is junior forward J.P. Moorman II, who has 19 overall rebounds and 14 defensive rebounds.

Pierre-Louis has also contributed defensively with 13 steals this season.

His ability to create turnovers and opportunities for the Owls to score fast-break points has helped Temple get to a 3-0 start.

In every game this season, the Owls have held an advantage in points off turnovers over their opponents, outscoring their opponents 61-32 in points off turnovers. This includes a 27-2 margin against Morgan State.

Pierre-Louis has been leading the defensive unit this season. He has 35 percent of Temple’s 37 steals this season.

Pierre-Louis is the only Temple player with double-digit steals this season. Senior guard Alani Moore II, who has seven, comes closest to Pierre-Louis in steals.

“Most teams’ identity is defense early on in the year until your offense catches up,” McKie said after Temple’s win against La Salle. “They’re learning a new system. This is completely different for them…defensively, we wanna continue getting after teams.”

Freshman guard Josh Pierre-Louis, Nate Pierre-Louis’ brother, sees similarities in their defensive games. The only difference Josh Pierre-Louis sees in their games is how his brother likes to attack the rim and get to the free-throw line, he said.

Nate Pierre-Louis leads the team in free throws made and attempted, going 19-of-30 at the free-throw line this season.

“Nate [Pierre-Louis is] more of a deep threat,” Josh Pierre-Louis said on Oct. 29. “He can post you up and put you in the post. He likes more contact.”

Nate Pierre-Louis was named one of the three captains along with Moorman and senior guard Quinton Rose.

Nate Pierre-Louis takes pride in being a captain and improving his play, he said.

“I’ve always wanted to be a captain since the first time I came to Temple University,” Nate Pierre-Louis said on Oct. 29. “I really take it to heart, so I just try my hardest to be the best leader and the best captain I can be every single day.”

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